Emma's Handy Packing Hints- Second Edition.

My bags are packed I'm ready to go

Does packing ever get easier? I am lucky enough that I travel quite a bit, and I am making my (almost) annual trip to Sydney to visit some very good friends. I know I have blogged before about how I pack, but I think I am slowly getting better at it. Here are some little hints from me.

1. Don't even think you can only take hand luggage. Unless you are going for a weekend trip to Bali where you only need a bikini and a maxi dress you need at least 20kgs. Hell my makeup and skin care weighs 7kgs on it own. 

2. Start thinking about what you will need to take before you start to pack. Now I know that when you are on holidays you always seem to wear the same thing every day but you do want to have choices. I know this holiday I will need exercise gear, going out at night clothes, going out at day clothes, casual clothes and bumming around the house clothes.  You also need to take shoes into consideration. As I can only wear flats at the moment I only need to take my runners (for walking because I can't run for another 7 months), sandals, slides and thongs ( thats flip flops to anyone reading this that is not Australian). Hang your "plane outfit" up while you are packing so you can see the extra outfit you have.

3. Separate your clothes into zip lock bags. This is genius. I have a bag of shorts, active wear, singlets, t-shirts and knickers. When you zip lock the bag make sure you roll them so you get the air out and then it is like a vacuumed seal bag so it takes up less space. Plus when you get to the destination you can find what you need easily.

                                
Ikea Zip lock bags are my bags of choice. They are strong and reusable and come in 6 different sizes.

4. Skin care- This bag is usually the heaviest so try and buy travel sizes or buy travel bottles and de canter in your stuff. I also put moisturiser into empty contact lens cases. I also take wipes so I don't need to worry about cleanser or eye make up remover while I am away ( don't worry you can do a super skin clean when you get home from you vacay). These wipes are also fab for spot cleaning your clothes. Also if there is one product that will leak in your luggage it will be your hair serum so pop that in a small zip lock bag. Also Sephora do perfume in travel bottles which are really handy so you don't have to take a big bottle.

6. Wash your hair and do it really well the day you go. That way it should last for most of the holiday and apart from a few touch ups with your straightener you should get away with out having to wash. Dry shampoo is a must for about day 3. And if you have long hair, do forget hair elastics! They and bobby pins seem to hook up and go away on a holiday of there own.

5. Make up- This one was hard, like really hard. To be honest the only thing I scrimpted on was my eyeshadows and I only packed one eye shadow palette -my Too Faced Chocolate Palette. I made sure I took lipsticks in a nude shade, a red shade and a pinky nude to cover all occasions. I took my day foundation and my night foundation as well as my tinted SPF moisturiser, my conturing kit, blush, highlighter....... you get the message.

By packing a palette you have lots of different colours and can use the lighter shades as highlighters.

                                        
6. Pack your all chargers in a zip lock bag, that way they are easy to find when you get to your destination because your phone and ipad will be flat.

On the plane

1. Take a big tote bag. I take my Louis Vuitton Never Full. This bag has travelled around the world with me because it is "never full" apparently they can take over 50kg in weight. It holds EVERTHING I need including a laptop. Although to be honest I hardly ever take it because unless I get the inclination to do work (which never happens) I can get away with my iphone and ipad.

2. Essentials are a pen. As a teacher I always have at least 5 on me at anyone time, but you will always need a pen. Essentials also include lip balm, tissues, Vicks Nasal Sniffy thing, Nurofen and any medication you need to take. I also take my Bachs Rescue Remedy in case I get anxious. I also take a notebook incase I get inspired.

Rescue Remedy- I never go anywhere without this stuff.

3. Take your phone, ipad and headphones. Especially if you are being tight and going on a budget airline. You will get bored and there is only so much people watching and getting up and going to the toilet you can do.

4. Make up bag- This goes with out saying, but you will need at least some lippie to put on your "landing lips" and some concealer. Don't forget hair lackkies. Your hair will annoy the hell out of you.

5. Your glasses. I never wear my contacts on a plane and when you are flying you don't need to see that well so my glasses it is.

6. A great big mother of a bottle of water. And a little snack. And some mints. No one wants to breathe bad breath on anyone.

7. Wear slip on shoes because you never I repeat NEVER want to go to a plane toilet with no shoes on. Unless you want to rinse your feet in a strangers wee. Pack a pair of socks and a warm cardigan that can double as a blankie because planes get cold.

8. Finally as much as it is a bit of a pain in the arse to carry a proper pillow is really handy. I took my pillow on the flight to New York ( 17 hours of pain) and it helped to get a bit comfy. 

9. Sleeping (or relaxants) tablets if they work for you. I am about to do a red eye flight and I never sleep on a plane. I'm going to try half a sleeping pill. I will let you know how it goes. Be warned though- they can have the reverse effect unless you get the dosage right. You have been warned.

Now all I need if for Sydney to get it's weather under control and I'm good to go! Happy holidaying.

11 Beauty Resolutions for 2016

A new year is always the best time for resolutions. It is also a fabulous time for beauty resolutions because they don't really count. I read an article the other day about 11 beauty resolutions you should keep. To keep you from having to read it yourself I will tell you the resolutions you need to keep some common sense advice.

1. I will not sleep in my makeup.

Unless I am drunk. Or can't be bothered. Or both.

                         

2. I will wear sunscreen everyday.

Except when it is raining and / or the middle of winter.

3. I will exfoliate twice a week.

Or when I remember, or when I am in the shower waiting for my conditioner to work.

4. I will moisturise even when it is hot.

This one is obviously a trick because who doesn't moisturise every day?

5. I will not cover my face with a truckload of foundation.

Unless I have a face full of pimples. Or I am 13.

6. I will treat my skin every week.

Oh come on, who has time for that?  Lets make that I will treat my skin when it looks really bad.

7. I will sleep 8 hours every night.

Unless I am binge watching something on Netflix, or I have had a coffee at 8:30 and can't sleep. 

8. I will do a beauty audit (that means throw out your old moisturiser from 2010)

And only throw out the products that smell bad.

9. I believe that not to prime is a crime.

Unless you are in a hurry. In that case it is perfectly acceptable.

10. I will embrace my brows

But not to the extent that I look like the baby from The Simpsons

                                  

11. I will consider my inner health

But not on a Friday night. Because Friday nights are for drinking.

Holidays are just fabulous

I love holidays. Which is good because I have been on holidays since October. Sadly they are coming to an end and going back to work is in sight. Luckily I still have a few special things to come before I head back.

The only thing about holidays is that I really don't do much, which is awesome, but makes blogging a bit boring because there is not much to say. So I thought I would give you a little catch up on anything and everything I have been doing.

1. I accidently  bought a very expensive pair of bikinis.
During the week I went to Mandurah to visit my friend and her family. I knew we were visiting down at the beach. I forgot my bathers ( and this wasn't an "accidently on purpose" mistake so I could buy a new pair). I had to go and buy some at the shops. The only shop I could find was a surf shop. When did bathers become so expensive? They are just little bits of fabric? I don't like buying bathers, I find it as traumatic as buying jeans so the last few pairs I have bought was at Target and Kmart and they were cheap and did the job just fine. So I now have 4 black bikinis.

2. I am still watching Nashville. 
My god I love it. I have always secretly loved a bit of country and western. I am still walking around the house singing and did a rather fab rendition of Adele's 'Hello" in country style. My attempt to do my hair like a Nashville chick has hit a wall though because it is really hot so the most adventurous I am getting is a pony tail OR a top knot and also my first attempt resulted in me burning my forehead with my curler.

3. I have a really sore butt.
Let me explain. I have been riding my exercise bike. I sticky tape my iphone to the bike and watch 2 episodes of Nashville. My butt is not adjusting. I have even resorted to wearing my proper bicycle shorts with padding. Still very tender. And I look like a fool. 

4. I have cut carbs/ quit sugar (again)
Still trying to shed the moonie (boot) weight. Liteneasy wasn't working fast enough and I watched "That Sugar Film" (life changing) and decided it was time to quit that sugar stuff. I have not had a piece of bread in a week, or .......A GLASS OF WINE. Don't panic - I have however had lots of gin with diet tonic and vodka. Both good low carb options.

5. I have bought some new make up.

I bought the Too Faced Chocolate Bar eyeshadow palette. It smell and tastes ( don't ask why I know it tastes like chocolate). I bought this because I think I maybe allergic to my Urban Decay palette. I now think it might be my eye cream because I was putting it on the lid. Mmmm. Anyway the Chocolate Bar Palette is fab. I also bought the Maybelline Instant Age rewind eraser wind concealer. 

This has become a bit of a cult product with beauty bloggers and you can use it as a highlighter as well. It is nice. And only around $20.

6. I rejoined the cult
Of shellaced nails. I was thinking about going acrylics but then my very sensible friend said ( and I quote) " Are you fucking crazy? You will hate them in a week and then try and take them off." She was right of course. So I went shellac. They look amazing. I know I will need to commit to having them done. But I guess I can try.

7. I have found like Red Bull but in a packet.
I need a bit of a helping hand for a big night out these days. My friend sells Arbonne products and she gave me a bag of goodies and in there were these Energy Fizzy Sticks.  You mix them with water and BAM you are dancing until 3 in the morning.  Is there anything better than a guarana/caffeine mix?

And that is about it. Apart from the fact that I am still watching so many movies set in New York that I am getting home sick for New York. Which isn't my home, but is my spiritual home ( along with Bali, Mecca Cosmetica, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Dan Murphys of course).

My make up/ skin care favs from 2015.

Oh my gosh- I know it is summer but it is really hot. Summer has two temperatures. Hot and "oh my god it is too hot to do anything" hot. The last few weeks have fitted into the too hot to do anything. So seeing as I have nothing exciting to report on I thought I would fill you in on my favourite make up and beauty buys from 2015.

1. Hi Lift Cureplex

How to describe it? In my hair dressers words " It what Kim Kardashian used so she could dye her hair blonde". This products let you dye you hair but doesn't damage it and encourages new growth. In a non hairdresser way it has 3 bits- product 1 goes in with the colour, product 2 the hairdresser uses when they rinse of the colour and product 3 goes home with you to use in the place of a conditioner. Dawnie the wonder hairdresser has been using on me for about 12months and my hair is looking lush and I have new hair growth. AMAZING.
Here is a link that will explain it properly.

2. Mecca "In a Good Light"Tinted Moisturiser

I have been using this nearly everyday in place of a foundation. It is 30+, non greasy and a good blendable colour. With a touch of concealer and a bit of powder you are good to go.
Go Here for some more details.

3. L'oreal Infallible Foundation

This is my "going out" foundation. Great coverage, easy to blend and lasts. Nothing more to be said.

4.Perricone MD anything.

I'm not going to lie- this stuff is expensive. But for someone who is on the other side of 40 this range is pretty good. Known as "skincare makeup" so it is working on your skin as you wear it. I have the foundation, the blush, the concealer and the highlighter. The foundation is sheer, but your face looks fresh and feels beautiful. Is it worth the price?.......... Yes. If you want to try it I would recommend this pack that Mecca have at the moment. It is great value and has a few products in it including the skin care which I haven"t tried yet.

5.Sephora Crayon Lip Pencils

I bought a big pack of 10 of these when I was in New York, and they are the bomb. Smooth, moisturising, long lasting and highly pigmented. I have noticed that the Australian Sephora site doesn't have them but these seem close.  The Sephora "own" brand products all seem very good. I have eyeliners which are fab. You can buy online or if you are in Sydney and Melbourne they have stores there.

6. Urban Decay  Naked Palette

This cult product was always going to be amazing. I got the original one but there are other palettes you can try. The colours are beautiful and the brush it comes with is great. The only downer? I have a sneaky suspicion I may be allergic to it because my eyes get really itchy. At the moment I am putting it down to it being hot. There are also a squillion tutorials on looks you can achieve with this palette online. You can now buy this at Mecca in Australia. I got mine at Sephora in New York.

7. Too Faced Shadow Insurance

You know how your eye shadow creases after a while? Using this product it will not. It will stay in place and not budge. This comes in 4 shades from a nude shade to slightly tinted shades. I bought champagne  (of course I did) because I also use it as an eyeshadow on its own.

8.Skin Doctors Airbrush Eye 

I found this product from my friend. I was staring at her face when I realise she didn't have any wrinkles around her eyes. She had been using this. I started using it this week. I already know I'm going to love it, and when my skin care is finished I will be trying some other products in the range.

9. Paula's Choice Resist Brightening Trio

I have been using this as my skin care all year. Paula's Choice is a brand you can buy online and it is good. So good that I re ordered it (which I never tend to do as I like trying new things). I think my skin is looking ok, and I have noticed that some spots have faded. So that can only be a good thing. Right?

10. L'oreal Infallible 2-step Longwear Lipstick

If you only buy one lipstick make it this. In permanent blush. It is long lasting, a pretty colour and non drying. You will love it. I promise.

So that's it. My favourites for 2015. If course I still have my staples that continue to love year after year, but some of these are worth a look.

How much Foxtel and Netflix can you watch in a month.

Today I have been driving my children crazy. I have been walking around the house talking in a Southern American accent. I have also found myself texting friends in a Southern accent. I have found myself standing in front of the mirror seeing if I can stretch my hair to make it look longer, like one of those country and western singers. I have also told my children that from now on they are to call me Mama. The reason - I have finally discovered Nashville. The tv series about a washed up C&W singer, a current C&W superstar and a shy girl who writes poetry who magically has an amazing voice. Who saw that coming??

The hair, the sequins, two types of music- Country and Western. What's not to love?

I had to find a new show because it would seem I have watched every movie on Foxtel and have also watched every episode of Friends, Will & Grace and How I Met Your Mother. I have also watched all the cooking show ( I am finding Jamie Oliver very annoying Govnaar and why is he always in such a hurry?  and when did we all jump on the Korean food bandwagon? and Nigella making a vegan cake? Has the world gone mad?) and every Home Renovation Show. 

Not that this is a problem. Movies and television are my first love. Ask my mum and dad. Way back in the 80's we went to America. I didn't want to go sight seeing. I wanted to stay at the hotel and watch television. And the only time I remember my dad getting really mad with me (well apart from when I broke a bird bath at a nursery and hurt my legs- which I still say was my brother fault) was when we were going out and I wanted to tape The Love Boat, but my brother was already taping something stupid. Just because he was studying the book at school. (For the record it was Day of the Jackal)

Love....exciting and new.....

Because it has been too hot to do anything- I have rekindled my love for movies  and television shows that I have wanted to watch or watch again. So Foxtel and Netflix have been helping me out. Now being a Media teacher one of the pitfalls of the job is that I analyse every thing I watch. I watch crap movies and tv shows that were never meant to be watched in detail, in detail. This can make watching anything with me a bit annoying. Except for funny cat and dog videos. I never analyse them. I just watch those because they are funny.

Even the clothes couldn't save it. Now lets never mention it again.

My list of films for the last month now stands 25, and there have been some good- Trainwreck, Southpaw, That Sugar Film, some that I know I should like, but don't- Birdman anyone? The Lion King (why must they sing in every Disney Film and don't try and make me believe that Lions sing. Because they don't), some really bad- Sex and the City 2 (the less said about that the better), some so very bad they make you laugh- 50 Shades of Grey (seriously bad, like seriously), some that never get bad - Love, Actually (is there anything better than making fun of Kiera Knightly's jaw).

        Fast forward to 2:12. " I look quite preeeetttyyy" Gold.

Some you watch just to see the most beautiful dress in film history- Atonement (that green dress) It is a very good movie though.

The dress.. Oh my God- the dress

I am loving repeats of the Kardashians. I am glad I have had all my children before I discovered One Born Every Minute, because trust me, there would be no way I would be having them after watching that. Especially the bit when the baby's shoulder get stuck and the midwife jumps on them to push that baby out. You know once that hit that button it is never going to end well. My other favourite episode was the one where the two grandmas had a fight outside the room and one ended up in emergency. Lucky it was on the ground floor I guess.

One hazard of watching so much is that I am starting to get my viewing confused. I was watching How to Make a Murderer ( on Netflix- very good) last night and I was getting the evidence confused with parts of Gone Girl. 

The only thing I have to do now is work out how I am going to write all this shows into my curriculum. I can see studying Jessica Jones in my students near future. I will just have to get them to turn around during all the naked bits.

Happy New Year!

                                 How I felt about 2015


God I was a bad, bad blogger in 2015. All that effort I went to to build my blog fell into a big black hole, which is where I hope 2015 has now gone as well. It was without a doubt the worst year of my life. Weirdly mixed with some good times- like a trip to Bali - well 3 trips to Bali -and my trip to New York. But true to form all the good bits were also mixed with bad bits, like the trips to Bali where sprinkled with kids fighting, my marriage breaking up and a stress fractured leg, and the trip to New York was punctuated by the actual stress fracturing of the leg and hobbling around New York on a cane.

Yes I became a 75 year old man on my dream vacation

If I can pull a positive out of it all I can say I have grown both mentally and physically( I will get to physical bit later). I have had some counselling, I am working hard at putting my marriage back together, I have put myself back together and I am nearly at a stage where I feel ready to go back to work. I said nearly. I've learnt life is fragile and things can change suddenly. I have also learnt this year the importance of friends and family, and how lucky I am to have such a great support base.

So back to the physical bit. 2015 is the year I got fat. Fat, fat, fat. I know I am fat. I weighed this much  the day before I gave birth to my youngest child. It is the kind of weight gain that now amount of taking off jewellery or clothes or dancing on the scales will fix. Mt trick of brown fat looking better than white fat is also no help. I honestly think someone I saw last week thought I was pregnant (and then they remembered I am 44). It is a good horrible12kgs. I have asked my husband if people celebrate getting back to their pre pregnancy weight should I celebrate getting back to my pregnancy weight?

I know the cause. In 2015 I basically lived like a cat. (Apart from when I trained for the marathon.) I will explain.

1. I was bed ridden for a good 3 weeks and then I could not do any exercise for 7. None. Not even walk to the end of the street. The most I did was walk to the letterbox. As I exercise for usually at least an hour a day you can understand why reaching 800 steps a day has resulted in reaching 800 extra mms on my butt. And boobs.

2. I have drunk far too much to drink away my blues and eaten far too much to eat away my blues

3. I have gone out for far too many dinners, lunches and coffees.

4. I have no metabolism left. None, nothing, zilch, zippo.

5. I wore the same outfit for 9 weeks. Stretchy pants with a tshirt. I didn't do my hair. I didn't put make up on. I dropped my daughter off to school in my pyjamas. I stopped caring.

So 2016 is going to be amazing. And it starts here. I have bought an exercise bike and I have thrown away the moon boot ( don't tell my surgeon. Or my mum) and I am back into it.  I have ordered the light n easy. I am not allowed to have botox or go and visit my friends in Sydney until I have lost 5 kgs. And seeing as I want to go and visit at the end of Jan I need to get my (large) arse into gear.

I am going to teach myself I can be fun without drinking, and I am going to only eat when I am hungry. I am going to stop living like a cat and start living like a dog. Always wanting to go for a walk and a play in the park. 

This is how I hope to be in 2016 when I live like a dog.

Wish me luck. I have a date with my exercise bike.